First-Round NFL Draft Picks Score Massive Rookie Deals

0:00It's April 25th. You're listening to Kansas News today, AI-powered local news. First round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft just locked in some massive rookie deals, all fully guaranteed over four years with a fifth year. Team option. That's the big perk over later rounds, no waiting games or partial guarantees. Leading the pack is number one overall quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, with a $57 million contract, while the 32nd pick running. Back to Darion Price pulls in about $16.8 million. The values drop quick after the top spots. Only the first four picks crack $50 million, including Ed Drescher David Bailey at $54 million. Running back, Jeremiah Love at $53 million, and White receiver Carnell Tate at $51 million. By number 10, it's down to around $31 million for offensive lineman Spencer Fano, and it stays tight from there, with no more than three, million swings between picks.

1:01Players chase that first round shine for the prestige and job security, but these bags make it real. Take Love at number three. His deal gives him the most guaranteed cash for any running back right now, topping even vets like Sequam Barclay by over. 15 million in guarantees, it's a bowl move for Arizona, betting big on a rookie back. These payouts jumped huge from last year. When the top hit cam wore its sign for $48.8 million, nearly $10 million less than Mendoza. Top 15 picks now all hit at least $20 million, way up from 2025's range. Meanwhile, rounds two through seven, obtained by comparison. Second rounders max out around $13 million, and anyone past pick 100 gets. Four to six million total. First round life pays off big time, setting these rookies up for the long grind ahead.